What: Expressions of Interest are invited to create a flexible and imaginative immersive learning environment/s for primary aged pupils at Manorfield Primary School, Tower Hamlets, linked to their class topics. The Expression of Interest should consist of a short CV/biog clearly demonstrating prior and relevant experience, and up to 6 examples of previous works. Format must be digital.

What: The commission is to design and make:

a flexible base structure/infrastructure around which interchangeable immersive learning environments can be created

one or more immersive environments, linked to the Year 2 class topics

NB: This commission is intended to be a first pilot/prototype phase, with a view to rolling out the structure with further class groups and topics throughout the school.

The commissioning body is interested in design ideas that:

-Create a flexible base structure/infrastructure that can be easily assembled/dismantled and stored

-Create a physical space that children can enter, and can house between 5-8 children at a time

-Create an interactive, magical and intimate environment/s linked to the class topic/s, brought to life by relevant objects, artefacts, and/or imagery.

-Uses quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and has exceptional production values

-Integrates, or has the potential to integrate, elements of sound, projection, light and/or smell

-Are safe, strong and durable for children to use autonomously

Total commission value including all fees, materials and fabrication as required: £3,500 (inc. VAT).

Background:

Manorfield Primary School, Tower Hamlets, is going through a refurbishment programme, refreshing classroom and learning spaces throughout the school. After the creation of an initial ‘model classroom’, informed in part by the design ideas of pupils, a phased schedule of classroom refurbishments is now taking place. This has created clean, fresh and simple classroom spaces that are in some ways a blank canvas. The Immersive Learning Environments commission is designed to bring life and personality to class-based topic learning in a flexible and interchangeable way. Each year group works on up to 6 topics throughout the year. This initial commission is for Year 2 staff and children (aged 6-7), with a view to rolling out the project with further year groups/topics in the future.

Themes/Topics: The shortlisted artists will be requested to consider one or more of the Year 2 topics (subject to confirmation):

-Live and let live

-The things people do

-People of the past - Florence Nightingale and Edith Cavell

-Great Fire of London

-Flowers and insects

-Let’s go on holiday

Where: Please send your expression of interest digitally to lhowie@bowarts.com and rsmith@bowarts.com. Please mark your submission – Manorfield Immersive Learning followed by your first and second name in the subject line of the email.

When: Closing date Wednesday 25th January 2017, 5pm.

What next: A shortlist of 3 artists will be invited to work up more detailed proposals for a panel interview.

-An optional site visit for shortlisted artists will take place at 10am on Monday 30th January.

-Interview/presentations for shortlisted artists will take place on the morning of Monday 6th February 2017. A fee of £200 will be available for each shortlisted artist.

The deadline for the completed commission is April 2017.

At Bow Arts we are committed to supporting East London communities and artists. In turn, we rely on all the support individuals, the community and artists can afford to give back.